Hatchwell running as an independent candidate in Maple Ridge East

Chris Hatchwell is running as an independent candidate in Maple Ridge East in the provincial election on Oct. 24. A father of two, he has lived in Maple Ridge for about seven years after moving from Aldergrove. He runs Section 6, a water-cutting and fabrication business in Maple Ridge, and previously spent two decades working in special effects in the film industry. Hatchwell said his experience as an entrepreneur and in film has left him frustrated with governments at every level. “They’re making it harder every day, and that’s why I wanted to run,” he said. He identified high taxes and bureaucratic red tape as his main concerns.

Hatchwell said water restrictions disrupted filming for a major streaming-series production in the Lower Mainland because the crew could not film a swimming pool needed for a scene, adding substantial costs. In another case, he said, a production that wanted to spray water to simulate rain was told it would need an environmental assessment. He argued that regulations causing delays and adding permit costs could ultimately push filmmakers to work outside B.C. Hatchwell blamed David Eby and other government officials for costing the province hundreds of millions of dollars since COVID, and said red tape and poor decisions were damaging the film industry.

He said he wants to make changes but did not want to run for any of the existing parties, which he considers alike and responsible for government waste and corruption. He said the NDP would “annihilate this province” if it stayed in power. Hatchwell said he would oppose new taxes and work to reduce the tax burden on businesses and individuals. He called for serious tax cuts for everyone, saying ongoing increases in property and other taxes were hurting businesses. Commercial spaces near his business, he said, have been empty for years, with no new businesses moving in.

Hatchwell also criticized what he called the government’s “insane” drug policy, saying it turns a blind eye to crime and street disorder. He recounted calling police about a person in downtown Maple Ridge who appeared to be high on drugs and was carrying a long knife while stealing a bike by sawing at its lock. Hatchwell said he watched with his son as police did not respond for about 25 minutes. The person got the bike and rode away within an officer’s view. He said experiences like that have motivated him to get involved and improve things. Hatchwell said he can do more for people in the riding than any party member, adding that the fast-paced film industry has made him used to getting things done.